| Q |
What is obstruction? |
| A |
Obstruction is when a driver parks a vehicle in such a position as to make it impossible to pass (including driveways). Simpply making it difficult to pass is not obstruction even though you may have to wait and manoeuvre. Obstruction of the footway is blocking the passage of pedestrians, pushchairs, scooters etc.
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| Q |
What criteria needs to be met before a pedestrian crossing can be built on a road? |
| A |
Pedestrian crossings, both Pelican and Zebra, are only introduced where there is a substantial number of both pedestrians and vehicles. A rough guide is that around 100 pedestrians an hour should be crossing the road during at least 4 hours during the day and the traffic flow should be around 1000 vehicles during those hours. Additional factors are also taken into account such as the ages of pedestrians and difficulty in crossing, injury accident record etc.
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| Q |
Who erects cycle/motorcycle barriers |
| A |
Wakefield Council as a Local Highways Authority can erect such barriers on footpaths that have a public right of way. The path needs to be at least 6ft (2m) wide and fenced down either side for us to consider the erection of a barrier.
We do not erect barriers on bridleways unless there is room to construct a proper facility for the passage of horses.
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| Q |
Are there any problems associated with cycle/motorcycle barriers? |
| A |
There are some problems assosciated with barriers and in particular children gathering near them, climbing on them and damaging the adjoining fences. A number of barriers have had to be removed to overcome these problems and we will now only erect barriers if the adjoining property owners are agreeable.
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| Q |
Why have I been held up in traffic? |
| A |
A number of roads in the Wakefield Council area are saturated with traffic during peak periods. It only takes a minor change, such as an accident or road works to cause significant problems. We seek to minimise these difficulties by requiring road works be undertaken outside of peak hours on the main routes. Our control does not however extend to works that are being carried out for emergency reasons.
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| Q |
What is being done to minimise traffic congestion? |
| A |
We seek to minimise traffic congestion by requiring that road works are undertaken outside of peak hours. We also seek to address congestion by encouraging the use of alternative forms of transport, such as buses, cycling and walking. The public can help by not travelling during peak periods unless it is essential, by encouraging their children to walk to school, lift sharing etc. Every little helps!
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| Q |
Under what circumstances are 'Stop' lines provided? |
| A |
'Stop' lines are only provided at locations that have extremely poor sight lines. All junctions were examined some years ago to see if they qualified for 'Stop' lines. It is highly unlikely that any more junctions will qualify.
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| Q |
Under what circumstances are 'Give Way' markings provided? |
| A |
Give way's are provided at the junction of minor roads with a more improtant route, particularly where there is a differential in traffic speeds.
Give ways are not always a good option. Providing give ways within residential areas can encourage greater traffic speeds on the indicated major route. Speed is the single most important factor in any road accident when it comes to the severity of a casualty, particularly where pedestrians are concerned. Children are especially vulnerable and a lot of road accidents involving children happen in residential areas.
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| Q |
Who provides road markings? |
| A |
Wakefield Council as the Local Highway Authority are responsible for all road markings.
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| Q |
Can I have a marking in front of my drive to stop others parking there? |
| A |
If you have a properly constructed drop crossing and live close to a school, shops, doctors surgery, or other property that regularly attracts parking by strangers then you may be eligible. We do not provide markings to resolve inter-neighbour disputes. To find out if you are eligible contact Traffic Management
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| Q |
People park their cars on the opposite side of the road making it difficult to access my drive, can anything be done? |
| A |
Markings are only allowed on the same side of the road as your driveway. They are placed to highlight the presence of your driveway and are enforceable by the Police using the laws governing obstruction.
If you are unable to access or leave your driveway then you should report this to the Police at the time. PLEASE DO NOT DIAL 999, use the number for local incidents that is shown in your telephone directory. (0845 606 0 606 for non-emergencies)
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| Q |
Who provides dropped kerbs for wheel chairs/disabled scooters? |
| A |
Wakefield Council as a Local Highway Authority seeks to provide dropped crossings for the use of disabled people. As a matter of course we provide dropped kerbs at road junctions on all new roads or those that are subject to alteration or maintenance. In addition to these we seek to provide others that are identified to us by members of the public. Should you have particular difficulty on a route please contact Traffic Management and fill out the form.
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| Q |
How can I apply for a pedestrian crossing? |
| A |
If you consider that a particular location needs a formal crossing facility, you can ask for it to be investigated by emailing traffman@wakefield.gov.uk. Even if the site does not qualify for a formal crossing we will look at aiding pedestrians to cross by other means.
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| Q |
Who decides which schemes will be implemented? |
| A |
The schemes are assessed against criteria in order to justify expenditure and value for money. A programme is then prepared for implementation. The level of assessment depends upon the size of the scheme but would typically include such factors as improving road safety, promote pedestrian / cycling / public transport useage, reduce traffic speeds.
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| Q |
Does the Council manage the traffic flow after a major accident or road subsidence? |
| A |
Diversion routes can be implemented and traffic conditions are monitored via CCTV cameras within the main centres.
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| Q |
Does the Council replace missing road signs? |
| A |
Yes - signs that are damaged or missing are replaced or renewed as appropriate.
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| Q |
Are residents informed of traffic schemes to be implemented? |
| A |
Residents directly affected by traffic calming features such as humps or speed tables are notified.
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| Q |
Are residents consulted on proposed schemes? |
| A |
Residents are consulted on proposed schemes such as traffic calming measures. We send out a questionnaire together with draft plans, and take on board comments, before finalising the scheme. Sometimes a public display is held or schemes reported at public meetings.
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